7 Tips & Tricks for Taking Photos at Epcot

Whether you’re a professional photographer or just an avid photo taker – Epcot makes taking photos an easy task! Epcot is one of our favorite places to capture some of the most memorable parts of our Disney World vacations. As you plan for a day at Epcot, keep in mind these tips and tricks for taking those frame-worthy photos!

1 – Time of the Year

One of the best parts about visiting Epcot is that there is almost always a special event or festival taking place. Lucky for us guests, Epcot doesn’t hold back when it comes to decorating! For example, Epcot has a spring Flower and Garden Festival. The number of beautiful flowers and character shaped shrubbery is absolutely stunning! We’ve found this boost in landscaping decor to be the perfect time to snap photos. Other events such as the Food and Wine Festival and the Festival of the Holidays are other fantastic times to warm up that smile for photos at Epcot.

2 – Don’t Always Go Status Quo

We highly recommend a family photo in front of the massive Epcot “ball” – Spaceship Earth. While this location and several other popular photo spots (Chinese Theater, World Showcase Lagoon, etc.) are prime spots, we also suggest looking for the areas that might be slightly off the radar. For example, the aquarium inside The Seas with Nemo & Friends is a gorgeous backdrop for photos. The path that leads to Le Cellier Steakhouse in Canada is another beautiful area. Branch out from the status quo and seek out a location that works best for your family!

Editor’s note: Spaceship Earth is closing for a lengthy refurbishment on May 26, 2020, however, you still should be able to take a photo with the iconic attraction in the background. 

3 – Around the World

Take full advantage of Epcot and its two park mentality with Future World and the World Showcase. Our favorite photo spots have been around the World Showcase. One family trip we recall taking a photo in each of the 11 countries around the World Showcase. We searched out something unique to that country and took a picture with it. This a fun way to look back at your trek around the world.

4 – Capturing Diversity

Epcot wonderfully exudes a mesh of vibrant cultures that are apparent in the structures and details around the park, but also in the Cast Members representing each country. If you see a one-of-a-kind street performer, do your best to ask them to take a photo with you. Maybe you’re just amazed at the awesome uniform/costume a Cast Member is wearing that stays true to their country. It’s not every day you see someone wearing lederhosen in Germany! We have yet to have a Cast Member turn us down for a photo, so get out there and make a new friend or two… just don’t forget to thank them!

5 – Time of Day

We mentioned being aware of the festivities taking place during different times of the year, but don’t forget about the time of day. A photo taken in the morning at one location will likely look like a completely different location and photo during a different time of day. One of the most obvious places the time of day is so critical would have to be in front of Spaceship Earth. The way this icon is lit at night is fascinating! Epcot Forever, Epcot’s current nighttime fireworks/laser show, is always a beautiful time to capture magical moments with loved ones!

6 – Unique Characters

Characters seem to be just about everywhere at Epcot. Some characters you’ll especially want to catch since they are only available at Epcot for meet and greets include: Anna and Elsa, Mulan, Wreck It Ralph, and Joy. These one-of-a-kind characters are fun to take photos with! Epcot is also a great place to meet characters in their home country pavilions.

7 – Exceptional Cuisines

We always find a way to end with food! Well, Epcot is simply known for its exceptional food and drinks and we can vouch that it is all wonderful. Before you go fork first into that tantalizing meal – you might want to take a moment and snap a photo of the plated masterpiece. For example, you don’t want to miss your chance to brag about that steaming Via Napoli pizza as it was pulled fresh out of the oven. Or maybe you’ll want to recall what that French pastry looked like before you scarfed it down? While we aren’t necessarily into posting everything on our social media networks, there are meals that we try to explain to a family member or friend later and just find it easier to say – “look at this!” The proof is in the pudding… we mean picture!

There you have our top 7 tips and tricks for taking photos at Epcot. Now, let’s get to smiling!